James Markus wrote:
Bill, I did have the bobber under the water and lit it differently, but it clearly inspired my shot. Your "was" comment is really why I am responding....did I miss something about Viper Mike?

In overall terms I believe Mike was and still is the greatest photographer I have seen on this forum. His technique and imagination produced images which were mostly a cut above everyone else. I presume he's still around somewhere but I've neither heard nor seen anything of him in some months now.

But, I have a question...as a newbie. Is it considered flttery or not when someone copies your image set up? I know on FM, James is paying tirbute and I'm good with that. But out beyond FM how would this type of activity be viewed?

I learn a lot from others images and try to reproduce lighting that I like or comp that speaks to me. But, are there rubicons not to be crossed?

BTW, I really missed learning from Mike and Dave Nitsche's shots. I PMd Mike a while back to check on him and got no answer.

Chris,
If I go out and shoot the exact same image that another photographer did - it is a copyright infringement. Things like this happen even by accident...lets say a particular view of the New York city skyline for example. Recently, someone here on FM tried to do a version of fire and ice like I had done a while back. I've had people ask my how I lit it, and drawn them diagrams so they can shoot their own version. I didn't consider it anything other than a compliment. Besides, there is precious few things that are truly new or original in this world. Many bobber shots exist that I have never even seen...as do fire and ice images. I try and learn from anyone I can - pro or talented amateur is irrelevant to me.

To address the "copy the image set up"...If I critic my own image the differences are these...Bobber position relative to the water, angle of view is higher, three light sources versus one, less negative space...but, it is a variation on a theme that I admired in Mike's version/composition, and I admitted it openly. I did something like this about a year ago one of Dave Nitsche's images, and also said so up front.

My intent is pay them a compliment, but if it is seen as stealing an idea - then I will remove the image. You guys let me know - I have til midnight to pull it down.

Nicely done James and you should let it stay up. Maybe if Mike and Dave are watching they will get the bug to start posting again. I always enjoyed the creativeity of those two as well as all the others who post. Again let it up.
Gary

My question was a question; not a criticism. I am very new to photography and to these forums. I don't know the ettiquette, mores and culture of the photography world. I'm trying to learn what lines have been drawn in the sand. I don't want to cross them accidentally.

I agree that there are a lot of similar images out there. After I made my comments, I looked at one of Dave Nitsche's sites. I found an image that was very similar to some that I have been taking of wine glasses. Neither of us copied each other.

Your image gave me a chance to simply ask the question. Perhaps it would have been better in another forum. I didn't intend to offend you.

I don't think mike would mind at all. I think he would be happy to see a good entry regardless if he shot it himself. I mean it's not like he was the first one to do that either and sure he got the idea from somewhere. I like them both but appreciate the first one because of the respect to mike's great work!